here is a report from the liberated city of timbuktu. >> beyond remote, isolated villages outside timbuktu. the fight across the river here a few days ago rushing into the sara to escape the french military. people are trickling back toward timbuktu. one person had for months in the countryside. >> i heard the french had come, and now we feel safe. but i want them to say -- stay. the local chief has just been informed that most of the soldiers here will be gone in the next few days. >> we know some of the rebels are staying nearby. if the french leave, they could come back. yes, we are scared. >> the french are pulling out of areas like this in order to focus their attention for their no. into the mountains, close to the algerian border. that is where sumps are hiding in with french hostages. it leaves the villagers living rather exposed. nearby, we find the malian army. hill disciplined and out for revenge. -- pill-disciplined and out for revenge. in the meantime, the french are still on the move. another key northern town taken today, but the focus will soon shift back to the chaos and u